'The Beast From The East' won't make 'The Breast Go West'!

'The Beast From The East' won't make 'The Breast Go West'!

Cleckheaton scrum half Jack Bickerdike is set to miss their home match agsainst West Hartlepool if it has to be re-arranged Picture: Andy Garbutt

CLECKHEATON aren't about to let nine inches of snow spoil their Breast Cancer charity day on Saturday.

Although their North One East clash at home to West Hartlepool only stands a minimal chance of going ahead, the other functions around Cleck's fund-raising efforts are set to carry on.

Rugby chairman Neil Gillan said: "There is about nine inches of snow on the pitch and we are thinking of getting some leaf-blowing machines down to clear it.

"There is supposed to be a slight thaw on Saturday, but even if we did clear the show, where would we put it?

"On to some company's car park probably, but there is also a chance that West Hartlepool might not be able to get down here."

Gillan added: "We still intend to hold the ladies' lunch, as they have all bought their frocks, and then we will get the players to come down in their special pink kit at tea-time to be auctioned off, and then we will have a disco in the evening and raise some funds.

"The match is likely to be re-arranged for April 17, when we can wear our pink kit, but we are likely to be missing Jack Bickerdike and James Wilson."

Bradford & Bingley's home match against Percy Park in the same division has already been called off, while Bradford Salem aren't holding out much hope of their derby at North Ribblesdale going ahead in Yorkshire Division One.

An equally pessimistic forecast is for Baildon's Yorkshire Division Three derby at home to Old Otliensians.

Baildon's player-coach Robbie Hill said: "I live in Rawdon and there is six inches of snow in my garden, and I haven't even ventured to Jenny Lane.

"But with Otliensians through to the semi-finals of the RFU Junior Vase and already having a backlog of league fixtures, it could be that the match will be played on Easter Saturday or even in midweek."

With Bradford Council's pitches being out of commission, Beldon Lane is not an option for Wibsey's Yorkshire Division Four Premier match against Ossett, so their slim hopes rest on Northfield Road or switching the derby to Ossett.

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